Full instructions, dosage information and potential known side effects are all available in the leaflet that comes with the prescription product. If you require any advice or assistance with placing your order, please donâ€™t hesitate to contact our team.

Ingredients

QUETIAPINE 100mg

How do I take/use this medicine?

Take Quetiapine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may need to take Quetiapine for some time before the full benefits can be felt. Do not be discouraged if you do not feel better soon after taking the medicine. Quetiapine must be taken regularly for it to work properly.

Continue to take Quetiapine even when you feel well. Do not stop taking Quetiapine unless instructed by your doctor. You may feel unwell if Quetiapine is stopped suddenly. When your doctor decides that you do not need Quetiapine anymore, he will usually reduce your dose slowly. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.

Take Quetiapine at about the same time everyday.

Quetiapine may be available as conventional tablets and as extended-release tablets.

If you have been given the conventional tablet, you may take it with or without food.

If you have been given the extended-release tablet (usually marked as "XL" or "XR"), take it on an empty stomach without food or with a light meal (<300 calories). Do not cut, chew or crush this tablet. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.

What should I take note of while using/taking this medicine?

Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while being treated with Quetiapine.

Alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while being treated with Quetiapine.

Alert your doctor if you have diabetes. Quetiapine may affect your blood sugar levels. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more regularly while being treated with Quetiapine.

Quetiapine may affect the way your body adjusts to temperature changes in the environment. Avoid exposure to very cold or very hot environments. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities such as going to the sauna. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Quetiapine.

Antidepressants such as Quetiapine increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour in children, teenagers and young adults. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.

When should I not use this medicine?

Alert your doctor if you are taking high doses of sleeping pills or epilepsy (fits) medicines.

Quetiapine is not suitable for elderly people with psychosis that is related to dementia.

Quetiapine is not meant for children younger than 18 years old.

Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take?

Avoid alcohol.

Why do I need this medicine?

Quetiapine is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder). It helps to relieve symptoms common in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.

Quetiapine is also used together with other medicines to treat depression.

What side effects could I experience?

Quetiapine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert. Dizziness may be worse when you get up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking Quetiapine for the first time or if your dose is still being adjusted. This is normal and should disappear gradually as you get used to the medicine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.

Other side effects are less common but may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

- rapid or irregular heartbeat- chest pain- any signs of an impending heart attack- difficulty breathing or wheezing- severe tiredness or weakness- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, or other signs of infection- uncontrolled muscle movements of your body, face or tongue, such as lip smacking or worm-like movements of the tongue- uncontrollable urge to move constantly or an inability to sit still- muscle stiffness or spasm- shaky, trembling hands or legs- excessive sweating- rapid rise in your body temperature or an inability to cool down on a hot day- excessive or persistent drowsiness or dizziness- yellowing of the eyes or skin- thoughts or attempts to harm yourself or others

How should I store this medicine?

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Can I take/use this with other medicines?

Alert your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here:

- sleeping pills or anxiety medicines such as lorazepam- antidepressants or other mood medicines such as nefazodone- other psychiatric medicines such as thioridazine- strong painkillers such as opioids e.g. morphine, codeine- hay fever medicines such as antihistamines- blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin - medicines which lower blood pressure such as midodrine- epilepsy (fits) medicines such as phenytoin or carbamazepine- diuretics ("water pills")- medicines which affect heart rhythm such as quinidine, sotalol, procainamide- diabetes medicines- thyroid medicines- cholesterol medicines- steroids such as prednisolone- antifungals such as ketoconazole, itraconazole or fluconazole- antibiotics such as erythromycin, telithromycin, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline- antiviral medicines for HIV such as ritonavir, saquinavir- tuberculosis (TB) medicines such as rifampicin, isoniazid- medicines for Parkinson's disease such as levodopa

Quetiapine must not be taken together with antacids. Antacids can reduce the effectiveness of Quetiapine. If you must take antacids, take them at least 2 hours before or after you have taken Quetiapine.

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.